WARNOCK RE-ELECTED: Dem defeats GOP's Walker in Senate runoff

Dem Sen. Warnock wins re-election

Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock has been re-elected to a full six-year term, defeating Republican candidate Herschel Walker in a costly contest that was sent to a four-week overtime after neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the November election.

Warnock, the pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, was first elected to in a January 2021 runoff election to complete an unexpired term — meaning that he had to come before voters once again this year to ask for a full six-year term.

His re-election campaign was angled towards suburban moderates and Republican-leaning independents who were uncomfortable with the direction of the GOP. He touted legislation to lower drug costs and tried to build a bipartisan image.

And he repeatedly attacked Walker on questions of character such as honesty and qualifications. The former UGA football star has never run for public office before and faced a series of unflattering headlines about campaign turmoil and previous relationships.

Warnock’s victory is a boon for Senate Democrats, who will now expand their Senate majority to 51 seats. This additional wiggle room could make it easier for Democrats to pass legislation and approve judicial nominees. Additionally, it could expand the Democratic composition of several key Senate committees.